Encouraging News for Alzheimer’s Research
07/30/2018
Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating form of dementia, leading to declining memory and cognitive function, changes in mood and behaviour, and changes in physical ability. According to a 2016 report from the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, there are currently 564,000 Canadians living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, and that number is expected to grow to 937,000 in 15 years¹.
Researchers have been working tirelessly to find a treatment or cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but none of the attempts to date have been overly successful. One path of research being pursued is anti-amyloid therapy. Many experts believe that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a buildup of plaques in the brain made up of amyloid proteins.
Following that research path, a group of Japanese and American researchers have just announced that their anti-amyloid antibody has shown very promising results. The Phase 2 human clinical trial demonstrated not only significant slowing of amyloid protein accumulation in the brain, but also greater preservation of memory.
Bruyère Clinician Investigator Dr. Andrew Frank shared his thoughts on what this success means for Alzheimer’s disease research:
"Despite some doubt as to whether the amyloid protein damages the brain in Alzheimer's disease, this large trial of anti-amyloid therapy appeared successful in slowing down Alzheimer's disease. While an even larger study is required before this treatment is available to the public, this news is clearly encouraging.
“Alzheimer's disease and dementia are not hopeless. It's worth getting tested. Early diagnosis opens the door to participation in research testing new treatments. Finding new treatments will happen - it's a matter of when, not if," he concluded.
Researchers at the Bruyère Clinical Trials Unit are currently conducting similar studies, and are hopeful as final phase clinical trials approach completion.
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¹ Chambers, L. W., Bancej, C., & McDowell, I. (2016). Prevalence and monetary costs of dementia in Canada: Population health expert panel. Toronto, Ontario: The Alzheimer Society of Canada in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada.